Lake Erie Ecosystem Priority (LEEP)

The Commission engaged stakeholders and the general public about LEEP

In 2011, Lake Erie experienced its largest algal bloom in history. In 2012, the International Joint Commission (IJC) established the Lake Erie Ecosystem Priority(LEEP) in response to a growing challenge: lake-wide changes in Lake Erie related to problems of phosphorus enrichment from both rural and urban sources,compounded by the influence of climate change and aquatic invasive species. These changes have resulted in impaired water quality, with impacts on ecosystemhealth, drinking water supplies, fisheries, recreation and tourism, and property values.